This quick start guide provides basic instructions on using the DAS for Windows. For detailed information, consult the Help Document in the DAS application or User Guide on this website. This guide contains two sections: Starting the DAS and Using the DAS.

The DAS can be run in two different modes:

• DAS-T: creates Table Parameter Files (.TPF), which generate tables.
  
  
• DAS-C: creates Correlation Parameter Files (.CPF), which generate correlation matrices that can be used as input for most popular statistical software programs for multivariate analysis.

DAS-T Mode

1. Click Start on your computer.
2. From the Program menu, go to Data Analysis System.
3. Click appropriate DAS icon.
   
   

DAS-C Mode

1. Click Start on your computer.
   
   
2. Click Run.
   
   
3. In the command line, type:
   C:\Dasw\DASW.EXE C=PRJ
   PRJ is the abbreviation of the DAS you are using.
   See complete list of DAS abbreviations.
   
   
4. Click OK.

If you have installed the DAS in a directory other than the default directory (C:\DASW) you must modify the command line. For example, if you installed the DAS in D:\MYDAS directory, the command line would be D:\MYDAS\DASW c=PRJ

The Main Window

When DAS is launched, the main window appears. The primary features of the main window are the main menu, the tool bars, the variable list, and the parameters list. The variable list displays the section (prefix) and label for each variable. The parameters list displays the parameters (processing instructions) for variables you have selected; it will be empty when you first start the DAS. See Main Window.

As your parameter list grows, you may want to increase the size of the Parameter window to allow for easier viewing. To do so, click the split bar and drag it until the window is the desired size.

Searching For Variables

To find variables,

1. Scroll through the variable list, or
2. Use the Search function

The search always starts from the current location of the cursor (black rectangle) and only searches either forward to the end or backward to the beginning. For best results, scroll to the top of the variable list and initiate a forward search.

Viewing Variables

To view information about a particular variable,

1. Double-click the variable.
   The Description/Percentage pop-up window appears.
   
   
2. Select View Description or View Percentages.

Tagging Variables

To tag a variable,

1. Right-click the variable.
   Tag menu appears.
   
   
2. Select a tag.

Once you have tagged a variable, an X will appear in the box next to it in the variable list. The parameter for that variable will also appear in the parameter list.

Editing and Deleting Parameters

To edit or delete a tagged variable,

1. Right-click the parameter in the parameter list.
   A menu appears with the Edit and Delete options.
   
   
2. Select Edit Parameter.
   OR
   Select Delete Parameter.
   You will be asked to confirm your decision.

Saving Files

To save your parameter file,

1. Select Save from the File menu.
   
2. Enter a file name and a table title when prompted.

Getting Output Files

To get output files from your parameter file, you must submit it to the DAS FTP site. For information and instructions, see Running DAS Files.

1. Select Save from the File menu.
   
2. Enter a file name and a table title when prompted.